A "Bat", An Osprey and Lots of Gnats!

  I am beginning to think that the resident ospreys feel that they are just "part of the family" now.  The pair that hang near the pier and Bayou have pretty much lost all fear of me and will linger nearby as I photograph them.  At times, one or the other will also fly low over the pier as if to "check" on my wellbeing especially if I am still for too long.  Maybe I am reading too much into it but it feels as if we have made a connection somewhat.

  This morning, I left Bat, the cat, wallowing in a sandy spot near the marsh edge.  I have no idea of how to even explain the odd actions of this crazy animal so I just let him do his own thing.  As I ambled down the pier, I saw a large bird alight in the top of a pine tree just above where I left the cat.  Hmmm...wonder if that was an osprey or the redtail hawk?  The osprey would not be problematic but the hawk could possibly be.  Well, there was nothing else to do but head back to where I left Bat taking his "sand bath".  He would be completely oblivious if an aerial attack took place.  

  I eased my way along the marsh edge and was delighted to find that the bird was Friend Osprey.  The bird was on one of the lowest limbs of a scrubby pine tree in the edge of the marsh.  I soon was a mere 30ft from the bird with it being fully aware of my approach.  These birds miss nothing!  After a few loud screeches, my friend settled in to watch the cat play.  Neither would be a bother to the other.  I, on the other hand, was almost eaten alive by the swarm of gnats as I photographed the osprey.  Enough already!  I had to get back to the pier where there was a slight breeze.  Ugh...spring...while it is nice weather...it brings biting gnats!  Tons of biting gnats...but, at least, I had a short and sweet visit with Friend Osprey!

Friends...all shapes and sizes

   For the past week, an osprey has been hanging about the yard.  It usually came to roost on a low limb of a pine tree that grows near the shore end of the pier.  As I make a dozen or so trips to the pier each day, I have made it a habit to speak to the bird.  He would cock his head to one side as if trying to understand my "strange" language.  Not once did the osprey act startled or afraid of my approach.  In fact, I was beginning to think he looked forward to our interaction just as I did.  Perhaps, birds and humans are not that much different as we both crave attention from where it comes.  If I was to linger long between visits, his high-pitched screeches could be heard echoing up the hillside.  Was he calling me?

  This daily routine has been a pleasant break from the chore-load that I have been having since both guys of the household (husband and son) were laid-up.  My first interaction with the osprey was when I was cutting firewood.  The bird came to the pine tree and watched the entire time as I cut, loaded and then hauled the firewood up the hillside.  For seven days, he came.  It was like clockwork.  I would head to the pier at 4am with my mug of coffee and he would be there.  Off and on during the day, I could depend on his presence so much so that I started venting to the bird about the heavy load I was bearing.  He seemed to care...or perhaps, I was hoping someone did and the bird was a handy listener. 

  Today, my friend did not come.  The limb sat empty.  It was a bit saddening and I felt a certain loneliness come across me.  Maybe the inclement weather had something to do with his absence...maybe he found a new friend who was more interesting.  Whichever...I am purely grateful that he was there when I needed him the most and I wish him well.  Friends come in all shapes and sizes.  Mine, at the moment, was in the form of a bird.

A Mullet Is Better Than A Snake!

   Early this morning, I was out hauling the hurricane debris mulch that I had cut yesterday.  This stuff is grand for the gardens and it is free for the taking!  I pushed that wheelbarrow up the hill so many times that my legs ache this evening!  It was during one of the "raking times" that I heard quite the ruckus going on near the pier.  Two ospreys appeared to be scuffling over one prey.  Obviously, one osprey made a catch and the other wanted it.  The battle went on even as they flew toward the woods.  I was surprised to see that the source of interest was actually a snake!  Ospreys usually prefer to eat fish.  

  Later in the day, I actually managed to photograph an osprey with its catch.  The bird sat on a pier post devouring a mullet.  It was funny because the osprey decided that I was not a threat and actually finished its feast before flying off to the back of the Bayou.  It was taking no chances with this meal!

Distracted by life

   Late this afternoon, I had to escape the confines of the Little Bayou House.  I am good with being inside for a while but then I have to heed the calls of the Bayou.  Not all of us are bemoaning the social distancing recommendations.  Some of us were born to be that way so solitude suits us.  We find adventure where it falls and do not depend on others to create our happiness.  That said, I did, indeed, escape.  For a few hours, I wandered the hillside, woods and creek bed.  I was tempted to go to the far side of the creek and spend time there but got distracted by Friend Osprey.

 The shriek of the osprey drew my attention upward to the top of the barren gum trees.  The bird was perched with something held tightly in its talons.  The osprey had made a catch and it appeared to be quite large.  At first, the bird eyed me.  I suppose I was no threat as soon it started ripping shreds of meat from the fish.  I stood in awe as I watched the bird eat.  Holding onto the tree limb with one foot and grasping the fish in the talons of the other, the bird was able to maneuver its meal to its advantage.  The large, curved beak easily tore long strips from the fish's side.  Then, throwing its head upward, the osprey swallowed the tidbit.  Nary a piece was dropped.  

  Once it stripped the fish clean, it dropped the carcass to the ground. The osprey will sleep well this chilly night with its belly full.  Some other critter, perhaps a raccoon, will finish off the remains of the fish.  It, too, will sleep well.  That one fish satisfied at least two animals.  Life goes on for those adept at survival.

The Osprey Lands

   It is no secret that I watch the critters of the Bayou.  Their daily antics intrigue me.  Let any critter be in sight and I can sit for hours watching its every move.  I have often said that I like critters better than I do most people.  They avoid drama as much as I do and, to be totally honest, critters are a whole lot smarter than people.  They know how to survive and how to adjust their lives if the need arises.  People, on the other hand, whine.  So, I avoid people and mingle with the critters.

 

  Late this evening, I was trying to photograph an egret that was on my brother's pier.  The bird was preening with its wing outstretched in the most graceful manner.  Birds have to take extremely good care of their plumage as misplaced or damaged feathers can cause considerable trouble for the bird.  These feathers can disrupt the airflow when the bird is in flight or even cause heat loss during the colder months.  This evening, the egret was doing its best to keep its plumage in tiptop shape.  In the far distance an osprey was doing the same.  Behind the egret but on the far shore, an osprey landed in the top of a pine.  There it, too, preened.   

  As I watched these birds, another Osprey was coming in for a landing.  This was an aircraft that is sort of a weird mix of a helicopter and airplane.  At first, I had no idea what I was watching.  It was not until I saw it tilt up its blades before I realized what it was.  Then, when the Osprey got over the airstrip at the air base, it landed...straight down!  I was impressed by this aircraft!  It is pretty amazing and fully reminded me of the "transformer" toys that my boys used to play with back when they were kids.  Oh, the things I see while critter watching.  The Osprey has landed.

Mine is NOT skill!

  Have you ever seen a photograph of a bird that seems a whole lot larger than it should be?  The same thing goes for pictures of giant snakes, huge moons, tiny architectural landmarks and gigantic people?  These are all usually photographs that use the technique called "forced perspective".  It is not a hard thing to accomplish.  It merely is the angle of the photographer against the subjects in the photograph.  In fact, the results can be quite impressive.  The photographers practice their skills and become adept at this "sleight of hand" parlor trick.  Their works are viewed and passed around as "true" phenomenons.  Most are not trying to be dishonest but are merely taking that incredible picture.  It basically has become an art form in itself.

  Then, there are those of us who do this without thinking.  Sometimes, I get so involved in getting the "great shot" that I accidentally do a bit of forced perspective.  Trust me.  It is unintentional as the subjects of my picture-taking are impressive enough without me trying fancy them up with my skills.  My photography is greatly lacking in so many ways but the subjects around the Bayou are beyond ideal.  

  Case in point is the osprey that was diving for mullet in the middle of the Bay.  I had no intention of this bird looking like it was some huge prehistoric dinosaur trying to snag breakfast.  It just happened.  Am I proud of the effect of a big bird and small building?  No.  In fact, I was highly disappointed that I did not get a clear shot of the osprey.  I so was in hopes to get the "perfect shot" of an osprey catching a mullet.  It did not happen.  The building in the background looks pretty good, however.

Happy Wedding Day!

  And just like that, we have another marriage on the Bayou!  It is funny how quickly things can change and, to my way of thinking, for the better.  Just a few weeks ago, there was a bitter brawl in the skies over one beautiful lady.  Two young male ospreys were at odds over the love of the young female.  Their territorial ways were getting the best of them as they tried to impress the female.  She was having no part of them.  Then, just when it appeared that she may be eyeing one as a possible suitor, in pops a third male.  Things got real intense for days.

  Today, however, the new suitor won his ladylove.  Although the other two were still trying to compete while he was performing the "Fish Dance", she ultimately accepted his gift.  That, in the osprey world, meant she accepted his proposal and was ready to nest.  He had performed the most spectacular soaring and plummeting moves, caught the largest fish and outdid his rivals.  The happy couple will now nest and raise their brood.

  Living on the Bayou gives me the opportunity to witness many things.  The "Fish Dance of the Ospreys" is just one.  There are so many wonders out there, folks.  You just need to step outdoors and investigate.  Once you really began to "see" things instead of walking around in a daze of everyday humdrum, the amazing sights will lure you to return day after day.  Life is good.  

Soaring High With the Ospreys...

  With the sun shining and the winds calm, I was truly tempted to toss down the rakes and shovels and escape to the woods.  My brain needs the comforting that only Mother Nature can bring.   I used some willpower, however, and stuck with the yard work.  If I ever want to finish this project, I cannot keep getting distracted.

  Since I could not go to nature, it came to me!  The usual birds were in the feeders and several doves were on the ground picking up dropped seeds but overhead a single osprey kept a constant vigil.  I am thinking this is the male of a breeding pair that was courting two weeks ago.  Then, he did the full fish dance while she sat screaming in the top of a pine tree.  He would soar to great heights then start dropping.  Drop, hover, drop, hover...all the while with his feet dangling loosely below him was the show for the day.  Then, off he went to catch a mullet to present to his ladylove.  She accepted and that was that.  Now, the pair have a nest in the back of the Bayou and she is actively incubating the eggs.  Since that is time-consuming, he does all of the hunting.  Each day, he spends the time over the water in search of, not only his food, but hers, as well.  He will defend her and the nest fiercely against all predators and make sure she is safe.  This year, they have nested nearly a month early due to the warmer weather.  Hopefully, all will go well.

  Today, this fine bird hovered over the area of the yard where I was working.  He stayed there for quite some time before venturing back out over the water.  I would stop occasionally and dream about soaring (or gallivanting off for a hike!) with my friend, the osprey.  If only I was not so committed to getting this cleanup done!  Oh, well.  Tomorrow may find things a bit easier and I can, at least, head back to the creek bed and collect the thoughts.  The brain works better back there.  Thanks for visiting, Friend Osprey.  You made my day much better!

A Better Fisherman

  Early this morning, a lone osprey could be heard screaming above the Bayou.  In a tall tree somewhere, this fine creature was letting it be known that morning was here and it was hungry.  The fish of the Bay had better be careful about swimming too close to the water's surface or they may become breakfast.  This bird would love nothing better than to grab a mullet or small redfish.  My meandering took me to the pier in hopes of spying my friend.  Sure enough, the bird came out of the tree-lined Bayou and headed for the deeper waters of the Bay.  I watched as it circled several times then made a plummeting dive.  Wow! On its first try, the bird had a nice fish!

  Well, there was nothing to do but follow the osprey as far as I could.  As it flew back into the part of the Bayou where it meets the creek, I quickened my step.  I did not want to lose sight of the majestic bird.  Once it entered the swamp, it would be hard to find.   I needn't have fretted, however, as the osprey came to rest in the top of a dead gum tree.  Even though it was on the far side of the Bayou, I had a clear view of my friend and was able to watch as it started to dine upon its prey.  

  It came to mind that I have rarely seen an osprey miss a catch.  In fact, only once did I witness a juvenile osprey flub nabbing a mullet.  That bird was on its maiden solo-hunting flight and missed its target fish terribly.  In fact, the bird floundered in the water for some time before finally being able to gather its strength to take flight again.  The poor youngster was water-logged and exhausted when it finally returned to its roosting spot.  The bird was so tired that it did not seem to mind that I was about twenty feet from it.  We shared a few moments before I left it in peace so it could regain its strength and dignity.

This poor juvenile osprey had a failed attempt at catching a mullet and got soaked in the process.

  As I watched the osprey this morning, I pondered if this could be the same bird that had so miserably failed with its first attempt at fishing.  If so, it is now a far better fisherman and has learned its life skills well.  Job well done.

This One Tolerates Me...

  Yesterday, I made mention of my preference of critter friends over people friends, as I have so many times in the past.  It is just a "me" thing as I prefer peace and I often find that in the animals of the Bayou.  They are merely trying to survive and have no time for frivolous drama and pettiness.  I, also, stated that there are some critters here that plain do not wish to be buddy-buddy with me and I fully respect that.  

  One of those "not so close" critters is the osprey.  Ospreys have their standards of who is to be trusted and I am obviously not one on their list.  In fact, their list is rather short.  I am not sure they even like other ospreys.  That said, there are a couple around who do not mind my presence purely because they have grown accustomed to my daily hikes about the hillside.  I still consider them as my friends but I have not gained the honor of being "their" friend.  That is ok.  I can still watch and admire them from a distance.

  Early this afternoon, a beautiful osprey sat on the pier post as I was meandering down the board path.  I could hear its screams as soon as I opened the front door so it was only natural that I venture down that way.  The osprey was resting from a day of hunting.  Earlier, it flew over the house with a rather large fish but was back within a few moments.  I assume that either it "presented" its catch to its potential mate or lost the fish to an eagle.  (Eagles are notorious thieves!  They will wait until an osprey catches a fish, then steal it rather than work to catch their own!)  The ospreys do not nest until early April so I am hesitant to say the fish fed little ones but with the warm weather, anything is possible...not plausible nor probable but surely possible.

  This afternoon, the osprey stayed put until I was well on halfway down the pier.  The bird eyed me constantly as if in hopes that I would retreat back up the hillside.  Once it took flight, it made a huge loop and came back to the same post.   I stood watching then turned to let it rest in peace.  There was no need in disturbing this majestic bird.  I was happy just to catch a couple of photos from the distance.

Just Vines!

  Sometimes, it seems as if my eyesight is waning just enough to make me ponder things.  Perhaps this is a good thing as it does make me use the brain a bit.  I figure that anything that causes me to think cannot be all bad or, maybe, I am just looking for that proverbial silver lining here.  My kids keep telling me that exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the rest of the body.  That would be all fine and dandy but at some point, things just get tired!   Both the brain and the body are getting old!

  This afternoon, the old dog actually wanted to walk a bit.  The sun was shining, the weather was warm and the hike was slow...very slow but still we hiked.   It has been a while since he has had the energy so it felt good to see him enjoying the hillside once again. Our hike took us down near the marsh edge on the east side of the property.  This side of the shore is lined mostly with old oak trees, bay trees and a few hickories but the other side has a lot of pines and black gum trees. Several of the trees across the marsh are dead as they were struck by lightning a few years back.  One black gum is the favorite perch for the ospreys.  From the tiptop of the tree, the ospreys can observe the whole twisting runs of the Bayou and all of the critters that call it home.  The birds can see when mullet or redfish are running through the shallows making them prime targets.  

  Today, one of the ospreys sat high in the tree all the while screaming for its mate.  When I first glanced, I was taken aback as it appeared that the bird was entangled in some bit of wire or rope.  I always hate when I observe my critter friends in need and try to help them.  This would not be the first time that one of them became entangled in some discarded fishing gear.  Try as I might, I could not clearly see just what was twisting and turning in the wind but I had the bright idea of photographing the bird.  By enlarging a picture, it would give me that clear view that I needed.  

  Once inside, the photograph revealed that my concern was all for naught.  What I thought was cord was actually vines that had climbed all the way to the top of the tree.  The osprey was not ensnared!  What a relief!  Have you ever tried to capture an osprey?  It is not easy.  It is a lot like tangling with a flying bobcat! Those talons are razor sharp!  I am sure glad that this bird was healthy and free!

On The Hunt...

  Some folks go their whole lives without really being aware of what is around them.  Not too long ago, I had a nephew tell me that the largest bird in this area is the Osprey.  "Have you ever seen one of those?" he queried.  Yep, well, I sort of live in the midst of them.  "They are huge!  They are the biggest birds around here!" he remarked.  He was so excited about his find that I almost did not have the heart to tell him that we have Bald Eagles which are much, much larger than the Osprey.  As fate one have it, right at that moment, an eagle flew over the Little Bayou House.  Enough said...he is now in awe that he has seen a "real, live eagle"!  This young man has lived here all of his life and is just now noticing eagles?  Wow!  But...it does not surprise me as his sister was so happy when she found that I had blue "pigeons" in my yard a few years back.  Surprisingly enough, she was referring to the blue buntings that were migrating through the area.  Those tiny birds are long stretch from a pigeon.  The sweet girl had never been told that there were other birds besides the pigeons she had seen on the streets in town.  What a shame.  I guess parents are not teaching their kids about nature.  I did.  Our kids loved being able to roam about the Bayou and woods and paddle the waters of Back Bay.  By being outside, they learned to love nature.

  This afternoon, Mark and I sat on the pier just enjoying the view.  A few pelicans were diving for mullet when suddenly Mark made the comment that the eagle had just caught a fish.  Sure enough, a bald eagle had a quite large fish in its talons and was heading back to the nest site.  Seeing the eagles dive for fish is a sight like none other.  They are powerful birds that can haul a huge fish out of the water, take flight and carry that fish for quite a distance without ever struggling.  With their excellent vision and accurate aim, the eagles rarely miss their mark.  With the Bay so full of fish at the moment, nary a predator should go hungry and that eagle had enough food to feed itself and perhaps its young.  Mark and I are truly blessed to have a front row seat to observe nature at its finest.

Silly Bird!

  Along about daybreak, I take the old dog down the hill to do his business.  The short hike is about all he can manage so there are not a lot of photo opportunities for me along the way.  However!  It seems that one critter is going out of its way to provide me with a little bit of entertainment.  A young osprey waits for us to pass under the tall pine alongside of the path.  Once the old dog and I are within range, the osprey lets out a few screeches then starts some of the funniest poses.  Granted, it is hard to get good shots in the dark, up in a top of the pine and with the bird constantly moving but I try.  I try simply because the osprey is so accommodating.

  This morning, the bird not only did its morning stretches, it decided to give me the once over by nearly standing on its head to peer under the branch where it was perched.  I thought sure the bird was going to tumble down into the Bayou!  The osprey did this four times before the mother osprey called to it.  Then, the youngster spread its wings and took off after dear, old mom.  Mr. PJ and I headed back up to the Little Bayou House so he could climb back in his bed and rest.

A Near Drowning

  Late this afternoon, Mark suggested we meander about the hillside.  It was the perfect afternoon for that leisurely stroll since the temperature was not too high and there was a lovely southwest wind making it even more comfortable.  We started, of course, at the pier.  There, I spied what first appeared to be a duck in distress.  Then...maybe it was a cormorant.  Or...perhaps a large gull??  This was bewildering, to say the least.  Since the bird was off in the distance a bit and it kept going under water, I was just not sure what it was but I could tell it was not doing well.  With the small skiff on shore, there was not much we could do to help.  We watched and after a few moments, the bird managed to take flight...almost.  It fell back into the water but immediately tried to fly again.  This time, it used all its strength and made it to my brother's pier and landed on a post.  The bird was not any of the aforementioned fowl but rather an osprey.  This confused me as the ospreys are usually expert fliers.

  After a moment, the bird took off to the back of the Bayou where there is a dead pine tree that is a favorite roosting spot of the ospreys.  I told Mark we had to go check on our friend.  Once we neared the pine, I could see the bird trying to preen its feathers.  It was soaked!!  Poor bird!   I eased nearer and nearer fully expecting the bird to show some distaste for my presence.  It did not.  So, I sat on the old oyster bench and started taking photos.  I was only a mere twenty feet from the old dead pine and not much further from the osprey.  The treetop had long fallen leaving a short stob of only about twenty feet so my view of the bird was quite good.  It was at this time I realized that this was a juvenile osprey perhaps of the most recent nesting.  Obviously, its flying skills are not perfected and a simple dive nearly killed it.  The bird had nearly drowned.

  It did not take long for the bird to relax enough to carry on with its task of getting the feathers in order.  The osprey shook, flexed and stretched.  With each gust of wind, it spread its wings wide and let the air fluff the feathers.  Using its long, curved beak, it laid feathers back in place.  It almost seemed after a while that the bird was literally putting on a show for me!  After about a half hour and a hundred or so photos, I decided to leave the bird in peace and escape the mosquitoes that were gnawing on my arms and face.  Hopefully, the osprey will be alright after its terrifying experience of near drowning.  Take care, Little Osprey.  I am rooting for you!  You will get better with this flying and diving.  See you around!

I've Got A Good Feeling....

  This morning's hike put me in one of those "right place at the right time" situations.  The sun was just popping up over the pines on the far side of the Bayou when I rounded the first bend in the path.  The old dog was busy sniffing a rabbit trail when a sudden shower of raindrops sprinkled down on my head.  Uh, oh!  My first thought was to hightail it to the Little Bayou House but then I realized that Mr. PJ was not budging from his rabbit scent.  Strange, since the old dog hates rain and will usually beat me to the house.  Ok, so my raindrops were not from clouds but from a tree limb not far above my head.  

  A beautiful osprey had settled in on a pine branch about twenty feet above me sending all the rain from the last shower down upon me.  Thanks, Osprey!  Well, I should be grateful as it could have been something else showering down upon me!  With the bird in clear view and the dog preoccupied, it was the perfect opportunity to get a few photographs.  I started snapping pictures thinking my movements would startle the bird into flight.  Nope.  In fact, it became interested in what I was doing and kept an eye on my every movement.  The bird sat as I photographed it until a real thunderstorm threatened.

  We have a good number of ospreys that call the Bayou their home now.  Years ago, the birds became threatened by the widespread use of the pesticide, DDT.  The chemical settled into the food sources and caused the shells of birds' eggs to become too thin to support the chicks.  Once DDT was banned, the birds made a comeback all over the country.  About twenty years ago, a lone pair moved into the area and, since then, they have multiplied greatly.  Dozens upon dozens of the birds now nest in our area and you can hear their high-pitched calls as they soar above the property.  It makes you feel good to watch them dive for fish knowing the Bayou is healthy enough for life...it makes you feel good.

 

House of Sticks

  With spring in the air, the critter world is busy nest and den building.   Most smaller birds have already created their nests and are well on the way of hatching their eggs.  The larger birds are still busy choosing mates and nesting spots.  A few days ago, a pair of ospreys was doing the fish dance where the female sits perched in a tall pine and the male does a sort of aerial dance.  He soars to great heights, drops down then goes back up.  This yoyoing is all to impress the ladylove who is watching with keen interest.  At some point, the male will catch a fish to present to the female.  If she accepts, it is a done deal and they search for a suitable site for a nest.  Then, the nest building begins.  

  An osprey nest is quite the undertaking. The things are huge!  At the start, the nest is about three feet in diameter and maybe a foot deep but, if the pair chooses to reuse the nest for several years, it can get up to six feet in diameter and several feet deep.  If the pair stays together and raise a successful brood, they add to the existing nest.  This reinforces the nest and makes it more comfortable for Mama Osprey and her young.  

 This afternoon, I was far down near the creek when I heard a loud scream.  Knowing the ospreys were near, I started searching.  Sure enough, there was a lovely one nearby.  The bird saw me but was more interested in the task at hand...or talon.  It was clutching a rather long branch which was nest building material.  Ospreys will actually break off branches while in flight.  The "grab and go" method is their preferred way of gathering building material.

  I watched for a bit but not wanting to make the bird agitated, I eased my way back up the hillside and let the pair resume their task.  With egg-laying just a matter of days away, the abode needed to be completed.

  It always excites me to find that the ospreys have chosen my creek as their home.  The number of ospreys is steadily increasing in the area which means the Bayou is healthy.  The birds will not stay where the food supply is scarce.  The Bayou is teaming with mullet so the birds know that they can readily feed their hatchlings when the time comes.  

  As I walked back up the hillside, I heard yet another loud scream and looked up.  The male osprey was headed to the creek with another branch in tow.  Ahh, happy times on the Bayou! 

Weird Stuff!

  For the past week, my cousin has been telling me of some pretty odd finds in her yard.  She lives up north and after the snow melted around her house, she went out to do some yard work. One of the first things found was a spoon.  Not thinking much about it, she put it on the porch rail. Later when she cleaned the spoon, she realized that it was not one of hers.   Then, she found a jacket that did not belong to her.  It was stuffed under a log.  A few days later, a robe sash was on the ground in the middle of her yard.  Odd finds that sort of unnerved her a bit.  We talked a bit about the items and came to no conclusion why the items were in her yard.

  Today, an oddity was located on the Bayou.  Although the item was recognizable, it was the placement that was confusing.  Son was sweeping the leaves from the rooftop when he saw something glinting in the sunlight.  When he swept it free from the leaves, he found it to be a knife!   Why was a knife on my roof???  This particular knife is a filleting knife that we have long kept on the pier.  For years, it remained stabbed in the top of a pier post.  We kept it there to be used when cutting bait so were not worried about the knife being exposed to the elements.  To find it on top of the house was a tad weird, however!

Son and I have about come to the conclusion that the knife was picked up by one of the ospreys that mistook the handle as a fish.  Once the bird flew a ways with the knife, it realized that it was not a fish and promptly dropped it.  It was mere coincidence that the bird was directly over the house when the knife was released from the talons.  Kerplunk!  It fell right down on the roof!

  The assumption that an ambitious osprey may account for our find of a knife and a large bird could possibly explain the spoon and robe sash at my cousin's house.  The jacket stuffed under the log, however, is a bit befuddling!  Weird stuff happening!

Of Gators and Ospreys

  This morning, like every other morning, Mark and I headed to the pier at daybreak.  We were in hopes of catching a few fish for our lunch or, at least, find a few soft-shell crabs in the boxes.  We did neither.  The morning was not a bust, however, as a few old friends visited us while we were there.  

  First, just out from the pier, I noticed the alligator gliding across the smooth surface of the water.  The gator had obviously been out on a hunt all night and was heading to the back of the Bayou to get a little rest and relaxation.  She swam silently across in front of the pier.  Not once did she veer off course even though Mark was throwing the net for minnows and I was checking the crab pots.  This gator has been around here for years now.  She has not made any effort to harass or harm us in any way so we return the kindness.  We consider her just another of our critter friends and always hope her nest of eggs produces a few little ones.  That our Bayou is her safe-haven makes us happy.

  After watching the gator until she vanished behind the marsh, we were treated to another visit from a friend.  This time, it was a pair of friends.  The pair of ospreys flew overhead in a aerial dance.  The female landed in a nearby pine while her hubby went on a fish hunt.  He was trying to find breakfast for his ladylove.  The female set to calling to him as if she was hurrying him along.  It is always pleasant to see our resident ospreys.  This pair nests in the tall trees behind the house near the creek.  They, like the gator, seek the solitude that the Bayou offers.  Smart birds...I do the same.

  So, all in all, our fishing trip was a success even though nary a fish landed on our dinner table.  Perhaps tomorrow will find us hauling in the big ones!

She Found Me!

  On our early afternoon trek to the pier, Mark and I heard a lone osprey calling in the distance.  The bird was to our west but sounded nearby.  I pondered why the bird was yelling so much but soon forgot about it as we started fishing.  It was not long before the heat of the day got to me and I headed back to the Little Bayou House.  Mark took the opportunity to hop in the skiff and head out to one of his favorite fishing spots. 

  As I stepped off the pier and under the cooling shade of the old oak trees, I heard the osprey's lonely call again.  Hmmm....ok, so it was time to find that bird.  Easing my way through the palmetto clumps, I scanned the treetops.  No bird.  Thinking my friend had taken flight, I zigzagged my way through the palmettos back to the board path that leads to the house.  Stepping foot on the path brought another round of osprey screams but this time the bird was much closer.  So....I plunked myself down to wait for the bird.  Sure enough, a moment later, the fluttering of wings told me it was near.  Just above my head on a pine branch, the bird sort of clattered a bit.  It was a weird sound that I had never heard before.  I called to the bird and, once again, a funny almost clicking sound returned.  My view of the bird let me see that this was a juvenile female.  (Females have a "necklace" of dark feathers on their chest.)  I called again and the bird answered by clicking.  Finally, she spied me!  There we sat just communicating....her clicking and me talking...neither understanding the other yet feeling comfort knowing the other was trying.  

  Our "conversation" lasted about a half hour. During that time, I figured out what was bothering the bird.  This juvenile had been booted from the nest now that she was fully capable of surviving on her own.  It was now time for her to make her own way in the world.  We (humans) are the odd ones in this parenting game.  We raise our children and always hope that they will remain nearby.  We crave their company.  At one time, it used to be that families remained families with everyone visiting often or living nearby.  Most other critters literally abandon their young as soon as they are able to survive without help.  The parents never look back and actually do not recognize their own young after a matter of weeks.  Just yesterday, Mark and I found three baby raccoons that had been booted from the nest.  Mama Coon led them to the marsh then scurried away as her little ones played.  It was heartbreaking to hear their cries just as it was hearing the young osprey's. 

  The osprey will do ok once she figures out that she is on her own and that Mama and Papa are not coming back to her.  She will catch fish, grow then, next year, find a mate to start the cycle of life all over again.  She will not, however, go home to visit her folks.  They will be long forgotten.  Sad....

Home Repairs

  Home maintenance can be costly if you hire the professionals.  Yes, they are excellent in their field and, yes, it is a LOT easier to let someone else do the work.  I highly recommend finding someone that knows their stuff when it comes to repairing, replacing or adding on to the house.  Your home is probably your biggest investment (other than kids).   That said, we decided to let Son handle the work on the Little Bayou House.  Is he an expert?  Does he have years of experience?  Is he even a carpenter?  Nope to any and all of the questions.  Is he doing a good job?  Yes, indeed!  So, there blows the whole idea of needing to hire a professional.

  The home repairs that Son is managing range anywhere from rectifying termite damage to installing flooring.  He has removed windows, put up walls, installed doors, replaced studs, replaced beams, built shelves, installed siding, replaced broken window panes and installed ceiling fans.  How does he know how to do all of these things?  Other than what Mark has taught him, Son tells me that it is all logic and, well, Son is the most logical person that I know.  So, logically, it makes sense to let him do the work!

  Others on the Bayou are building or doing home repairs as well.  Upkeep of the homestead is highly important if you wish to withstand the elements.  With hurricane season just around the corner, adding a few braces here and there can never hurt!  

  While on the pier this afternoon, I watched as an Osprey gathered material to either build a new nest or reinforce an existing one.  The bird would fly past a dead branch in the top of the old oak tree and break it off in mid flight.  He never wavered as he cracked the limb!  Sometimes, the branch would be nigh on six feet in length and as big around as my wrist!  With his prize in his talons, he would make a huge circle overhead then fly back to the nesting site which is in the far region of the Bayou.  There, it is presumed that his ladylove was awaiting another piece of their home to arrive.  She, then, would take the branch and arrange it to suit her whims.  The male does most of the gathering of supplies while the female builds the nest.

  It is good to see that the Ospreys are doing so well.  With their nest building and chick raising, it means that the Bayou and Bay are healthy.  The show that the male Osprey performed this afternoon was quite impressive.  His stamina, precision and determination astounded.